Wolves to kick on towards top 4 in the capital
David Moyes’ Hammers host Wolverhampton Wanderers at 5:30pm on Saturday, only outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Wolves on the other hand have Europe on their mind currently sat sixth, five points behind Chelsea in fourth and the final Champions League qualification spot, with Manchester City’s ban appeal with UEFA still unresolved. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men will fancy their chances at going deep into the Europa League whenever that will resume, they secured a 1-1 draw to bring back to Molineux when they play the second leg of their last 16 tie with Olympiakos, the time and venue for that affair is yet to be confirmed.
Background
Both teams have scored in nine out of West Ham’s last 11 Premier League games at the London Stadium, a very intriguing statistic is that Wolves have only conceded once beyond the hour mark away from home in the league this season, something that the Hammers will be looking to change as the visitors finish matches strongly. Despite the small squad that Santo likes to maintain. In the expected goals table this is a matchup of fifth place visiting 18th rather than sixth facing 16th. Hence why Wolves are narrow favourites.
Key men
Attack is by far the hosts best facet of the pitch, they are 11th for goals scored of any team, conceding the fourth most, and Robert Snodgrass has gone under the radar being an important player. The Scotland international is quite an unfashionable commodity as a Premier League wideman but has performed well consistently for the Hammers this term, adding five goals and as many assists. He has been at the club for nearly three years now after joining for £7.2million from Hull City and his experience of relegation battles in the top tier with Norwich City and the Tigers makes him a significant cog in Moyes’ survival mission.
Adama Traore is comfortably the best dribbler in the division, averaging 5.2 completed dribbles per game, 0.5 more than Wilfried Zaha in second. His pace and power has been breathtaking this season, and proved the downfall of Manchester City as Wolves did the double over the back to back league champions. It is only a matter of time before Adama, 24, becomes a force with the Spain national team and he will have kept his bulky physique intact during the pause of the campaign. This tale of two wingers will be great to watch in what could be a high scoring affair.
Box office Wolves are the better team here, with quality all over the pitch. It is a very tough start for the Hammers.
West Ham United – Wolverhampton Wanderers Betting Tip
Wolverhampton Wanderers to Win with bet365 at odds of 23/20 or 2.15.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Wolves continued to finish games strongly, two second half goals earned them a deserved 2-0 victory.